Contact: Peter Peretzman
For Release: January 21, 2000

Department of Education
Provides Sample ESPA and GEPA Tests to the Public

The Department of Education has released to the public
complete sample copies of the Elementary School Proficiency Assessment
(ESPA) and the Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment (GEPA). The tests have
been posted on the department's website, www.state.nj.us/education, and will
be sent to all school districts in electronic form within the next two
weeks.

The department is releasing complete copies of the ESPA
language arts literacy, math and science tests as well as the GEPA language
arts literacy and math exams. In the current school year, the ESPA test
will be administered from May 1-5 and the GEPA will be administered from
March 6-9. Students will not be tested for more than two hours on any
date.

"We are releasing sample copies of these tests as
a result of the feedback I received from teachers, administrators, children
and parents," said Commissioner of Education David Hespe. "These
practice tests will better prepare children for our state assessments.
They will allow for the appropriate level of professional development
for teachers who must administer the tests, and they will inform the public
about the content of the exams and their relationship with our rigorous
academic standards.

"I have received hundreds of letters from educators,
parents and children asking for copies of the tests, and I felt it important
that we respond. When the school districts receive their copies of the
practice tests in the next couple of weeks, they will be able to copy
them and distribute them to members of their staff, the parents and the
children. Until that time, everyone will be able to take a look at the
practice tests on our website.

"I truly believe that these tests will provide vital
information to the stakeholders in the process. They will provide the
necessary background to understand the basis of our testing program and
to prepare for their actual administration."